***** RCMP Media Release
Greenfield man charged for child pornography and weapons offences
The Nova Scotia RCMP has charged a Greenfield man for child pornography and weapons offences.
On January 28, 2021, the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit searched two locations, a home in Greenfield and a business in Bridgewater. ICE was assisted in the searches by the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Digital Forensic Services Unit, Special Tactical Operations, Lunenburg and Queens County District RCMP members as well as members of Bridgewater Police Services. Investigators undertook the search after receiving information from another law enforcement agency.
During the search, investigators seized electronic devices and a prohibited firearm.
Vernon Bent, 57, of Greenfield, was arrested without incident. He has been charged with:
- Accessing Child Pornography
- Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition
Bent was released on conditions. He is next scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on March 3, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.
In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. This means that anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. The RCMP encourages citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting any suspected offences to your local police or by using Canada’s National tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca.
